considering abortion?

your right to choose

No matter what your relationship is with the father of the baby, his family, or your family, this is your choice. It might be the biggest choice of your life. It is important to get all of the information you can to be sure about your decision. Your right to choose includes your right to know.

types of procedures

The abortion pill is available up to 70 days from the first day of your last period. This method of abortion is a 3 step process.

Step 1

You will be given a dose of medication that begins breaking down the lining of your uterus.

Step 2

Within 3 days you will have to return to the clinic to take a 2nd dose of medication, Misoprostol. This medicine makes your uterus contract in order to push everything from your body. Women should expect to experience lower abdominal cramping pain, vaginal bleeding, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, during this experience. You may pass large clots and in some cases your symptoms can be severe.

Step 3

You must return to the clinic in two weeks for a follow-up visit to be sure that the medication worked. You should have an ultrasound and blood work done at that time. If you are still pregnant, you will have to have a surgical abortion. Not having a follow-up visit or a necessary surgical abortion can lead to serious complications.

Suction Aspiration

This is normally performed up to 12 weeks, but some abortion clinics may provide this type of abortion through 16 weeks. A health care provider with give you a shot of anesthesia to your cervix. They will then open the cervix wide enough to insert a tube into your uterus and a curette (loop shaped tool) if needed. They use the tubing to break down and suction out everything from your uterus. The curette may be needed to remove any remaining tissue and make sure that your uterus is empty. Additional sedation may be available.

D & E (Dilation and Evacuation)

This type of abortion may be performed as early as 12 weeks and commonly performed during the 2nd trimester. This procedure requires your cervix to be dilated larger because the fetus is larger. Medical instruments and suction will be used to break down and remove the contents of your uterus. Ohio law prohibits abortion after 20 weeks.

*PDHC provides free ultrasound services which will help you know how far along you are.

As with any surgery or medical procedures there are some risks associated with abortion. These risks can range from minor to severe and can increase depending on how far along you are, overall health, and other factors.

Physical

Cramping, bleeding, nausea, diarrhea, and pain are possible with any abortion procedure. Other serious risks are rare and include hemorrhage (heavy bleeding), risk of perforation, infection, pre-term birth in later pregnancies, and death. Infections such as, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia increase your risk. Some studies have shown an increased risk of breast cancer associated with abortion; others have not confirmed an abortion breast cancer link.

Emotional

It’s common to have many different feelings after an abortion. Many women feel relief, anger, sadness, or guilt. Some women experience increased drug and alcohol use, difficulties in their relationships, long-term grief, or other severe difficulties. Your feelings about abortion can change over time too. PDHC offers abortion recovery services for anyone struggling emotionally from a past abortion. Call or text 614-721-2100.

Spiritual

Our beliefs and convictions are a part of who we are. It’s important to consider what your thoughts and beliefs were before an unintended pregnancy. Going against your own belief system can lead to spiritual difficulties. Call or text 614-721-2100if you would like to talk with someone about your spiritual needs.

options

what if I am not sure?

If you’re not sure then you shouldn’t do it. This decision lasts a lifetime and will affect you more than anyone else. Sometimes women feel pressured to make an abortion decision because someone in their life is telling them they can’t do it, a baby will ruin your life, or even their life. They may not really be thinking about what you want. Don’t let someone else make this decision for you, this is your decision.

next steps

It is important to have an ultrasound before you make a decision to find out what’s really going on. Contact PDHC to make an appointment, chat with a staff member, or call our offices for more information.

PDHC does not provide or refer for abortion. We are here to give you the information you are looking for to make your decision.